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Since its launch in 2016, there have been 93 graduates of the School, with a further 87 currently studying and 65 more in the pipeline. The School is open to students from any firm across the industry, including directly authorised and networks, as well as to individuals who are self-funded – people who don’t currently work in the sector but are looking to move into a career in financial advice.

“We set up the school to encourage new advisers into the industry and improve diversity,” says Darren Smith, Head of the Quilter Financial Adviser School.

There are currently only around 25,000 advisers in the sector and only 11% of UK advisers are female.

“There just aren’t enough advisers to go round,” says Stephen Gazard, Group Managing Director of the Intrinsic Network (part of Quilter) who presented the graduates with their certificates on the night. “The industry needs new blood, and it’s great to see the gender gap closing.”

34% of current students and graduates are women, with most being aged between 18 and 40.

The School has just launched its Level 6 programme, with students studying our Advanced Diploma in Financial Advice. It includes qualifications in Pension Transfers, Long Term Care and Later Life Planning, Taxation and Managing Investments.

So why study with QFAS?

“Back in 2017 it was a daunting thought that in 13 months we’d be qualified advisers, but with QFAS I knew the support would be there,” said graduate Sarah Wysockyj (pictured), who works for directly authorised firm Allwin Tax Planners and Portfolio Managers.

Mum of an 11 year old son, Sarah had previously tried studying through another professional body, but struggled due to the lack of support.

“The exam revision days were really useful – talking through different approaches – and the support played a massive part in getting through the qualification,” she says.

Sarah was also awarded the ‘Top Student’ award, along with fellow graduate Jeremy Duke in recognition of their performance and contributions during the course. Jeremy self-funded his studies and is just about to join a firm he was introduced to via the School.